Temple Grandin, an internationally known speaker on autism, states that a person with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can make a successful transition into a job or career. http://www.templegrandin.com

The following are among Grandin’s suggestions:

* Use gradual transitions – Work should be started for short periods while the person is still in school.

* Find supportive employers – Parents and educators need to find employers willing to work with people with ASD.

* Seek mentors – People with ASD, especially those that are higher functioning, need mentors who can be both a special friend and help them learn social skills. The most successful mentors have common interests with the person with autism.

* Educate employers and employees – Both employers and employees need to be educated about ASD so they can support and help the person with autism. They also need to understand an autistic person’s limitations with complex social interactions to help him/her avoid frustrations that could cause the individual to lose his/her job.

* Consider freelance work – Freelance work is often a good option for high-functioning people who have a special skill in computers, music or art.

* Make a portfolio – Similar to the previous point, persons with ASD have to sell their skills instead of their personality, so they should make a portfolio of their work. Since people with autism do not tend to interview well, HR should be avoided. Technical people respect talent, and a person with autism has to sell his or her talent to an employer.

Additional source: Karen Steffan, MS, CRC, who began working with students with autism on a grant project in 2000. This article originally appeared in the April 2014 issue of Job Training & Placement Report. For a free copy of this monthly newsletter for supported employment professionals, visit the “Job Training Professionals” and “Free Trial” links at http://www.impact-publications.com.

Most of us working on school-to-work transition efforts in Washington State are proud of what we have accomplished so far. We also know that we have a lot to learn and a long way to go in reaching more students! We tend to share a common vision… that transition programs enhance the quality of life for young adults.

In addition, many of us know that ALL students coming out of the education system have skills to offer businesses and their communities. To this end, various stakeholders across our state have established programs to help students transition from the education system into adulthood. Some of the most successful transition programs help students and their advocates set their sights on earning wages. After all, we know that students benefit when school ends and they have a job that continues past graduation.

Transition programs across our state are diverse and influenced by the needs and resources within particular communities. Lisa Latchford from AtWork! and I have written a two-part series on transition efforts across Washington, along with some examples of different models and programs that are paving the way for more students to obtain employment before they leave school.

Read more about school-to-work transition efforts in Washington State in the May and June editions of the Job Training and Placement Report (JTPR) Training Connection!www.impact-publications.com

Brandi Monts is the program manager with Go Wise (Washington Initiative for Supported Employment) – www.gowise.org